Zatoichi's Flashing Sword

Zatoichi's Flashing Sword

1964 · 82 min · ★ 6.9 · Action, Drama, Adventure

Blind masseur Zatoichi is nursed back to health by a young woman after he is shot by a gang member. Zatoichi, who had come to the village to repay a debt, now feels further indebted. He commits himself to use his amazing sword skills to help the young woman's father, whose river-crossing service is under attack by the same gang responsible for Zatoichi's wounds.

Directed by Kazuo Ikehiro · Written by Minoru Inuzuka

Your Rating

Where to Watch

Streaming

Criterion Channel

Rent or Buy

Amazon VideoApple TV StoreFandango At Home

Cast

Make it a double feature

2h 52m together

Zatoichi's Flashing Sword

Broken Swords

Both from Kazuo Ikehiro.

Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman CollectionSee all →

The Tale of ZatoichiThe Tale of Zatoichi · 1962
The Tale of Zatoichi
7.31962
MovieAdventureAction
The adventures of a blind, gambling masseur and master swordsman. Zatoichi targets a yakuza-controlled village, because war with a neighbouring town's smaller gang is brewing.
The Tale of Zatoichi ContinuesThe Tale of Zatoichi Continues · 1962
The Tale of Zatoichi Continues
7.11962
MovieAdventureAction
Returning to the village where a year before he had killed Hirate, a much-admired opponent, Zatoichi encounters another swordsman and former rival in love.
Zatoichi the FugitiveZatoichi the Fugitive · 1963
Zatoichi the Fugitive
6.91963
MovieAdventureAction
After arriving in the town of Shimonita, Ichi finds that a price has been put on his head by a local yakuza boss. He's drawn into a trap, but after hearing of the slaying of a former love, Ichi furiously fights his way through the entire clan to face the killer, a hired ronin.
Zatoichi on the RoadZatoichi on the Road · 1963
Zatoichi on the Road
6.91963
MovieAdventureAction
Zatoichi is sworn to protect the life of a young girl and without any real allies finds himself in the middle of a bloody turf war.
New Tale of ZatoichiNew Tale of Zatoichi · 1963
New Tale of Zatoichi
7.01963
MovieActionDrama
Wishing to find peace, Zatoichi travels to his old village but only finds trouble when he ends up in a love triangle and finds old scores have followed him home.
Zatoichi and the Chest of GoldZatoichi and the Chest of Gold · 1964
Zatoichi and the Chest of Gold
6.91964
MovieActionDrama
Ichi travels to the village of Itakura to pay his respects at the grave of Kichizo, a man he killed two years ago. When some tax money is stolen while in transit to the governor he is accused and sets out to find the money and clear his name.
Fight, Zatoichi, FightFight, Zatoichi, Fight · 1964
Fight, Zatoichi, Fight
6.81964
MovieAdventureAction
Blind swordsman/masseuse Zatoichi befriends a young woman returning home with her baby. When gangsters mistake her for Zatoichi and kill her, Zatoichi determines to escort the baby to its father. He gains the reluctant help of a young pick pocket and together they travel to find the baby's father. But they do not reckon on the father's reaction to their arrival, nor on their own growing feelings for the child.
Adventures of ZatoichiAdventures of Zatoichi · 1964
Adventures of Zatoichi
6.71964
MovieAdventureAction
Blind swordsman/masseuse Zatoichi befriends a young woman looking for her father, a village leader who has disappeared. As he helps her investigate the disappearance, Zatoichi also becomes involved with another young woman who is trying to help her brother, who has murdered someone at about the same time and place as the missing man was last seen.
Zatoichi and the Chess ExpertZatoichi and the Chess Expert · 1965
Zatoichi and the Chess Expert
6.71965
MovieAdventureAction
Zatoichi makes friends with a dangerous chess player, while fending off angry yakuza and bloodthirsty relatives out for revenge, and trying to save a sick child. Meanwhile, his luck with dice is turning.
Zatoichi and the Doomed ManZatoichi and the Doomed Man · 1965
Zatoichi and the Doomed Man
6.81965
MovieAdventureAction
Blind swordsman Zatoichi, jailed briefly, is implored by another prisoner to aid him in proving his innocence of a crime for which he is sentenced to death. Zatoichi is reluctant to get involved, because he knows how often such involvement has led to trouble in the past. But events conspire to thrust him repeatedly into involvement, and gradually he comes to believe in the man's innocence and determines to free him.
Zatoichi's RevengeZatoichi's Revenge · 1965
Zatoichi's Revenge
6.61965
MovieAdventureAction
Itinerant masseur and master swordsman, the blind Zatoichi, is near the village of his teacher, Hikonoichi, so he decides to visit. He learns of Hikonoichi's recent robbery and murder and the imprisonment of his virginal daughter, Osayo, in a brothel. Through friendship with Denroku, a local dice thrower and devoted father, Ichi uncovers an unholy alliance between the governor and the area strongman: among their scams is falsifying tax records to put farmers in debt, then forcing their daughters into prostitution at the boss's brothel. With help from Denroku's daughter, Otsuru, Ichi comforts Osayo until he can provoke showdowns with the villains and their henchmen.
Zatoichi's VengeanceZatoichi's Vengeance · 1966
Zatoichi's Vengeance
6.91966
MovieActionDrama
Zatoichi comes upon a dying man who asks him to give a bag of money to "Taichi". Zatoichi has no idea who this is but when he comes upon a small town harassed by gangsters, he finds that "Taichi" was the man's young son. Along his travels he also met a blind monk who makes Zatoichi question his murderous lifestyle. In trying to help the town, Zatoichi kills some gangsters and becomes a hero to the boy. He must make a choice of whether to use non-violence and set a good example, or violence and set the boy on the wrong path in life.
Zatoichi's PilgrimageZatoichi's Pilgrimage · 1966
Zatoichi's Pilgrimage
7.11966
MovieDramaAction
Zatoichi's trek through 88 temples to atone for his violent past is interrupted as he stumbles into a village terrorized by a violent yakuza boss.
Zatoichi ChallengedZatoichi Challenged · 1967
Zatoichi Challenged
7.01967
MovieAdventureAction
Ichi is staying at an inn when a woman dies. Her dying wish is that Ichi take her son to his father, an artist living in a nearby town. After arriving in the town, Ichi finds out that the father has been forced by a local boss to create illegal pornography to pay off his gambling debts. Ichi makes it his mission to save the man and reunite the family, even though it brings him into conflict with a samurai he sort of befriended on his way to the town.
Zatoichi the OutlawZatoichi the Outlaw · 1967
Zatoichi the Outlaw
6.71967
MovieAdventureAction
When a local gambling house kidnaps some peasants because they failed to pay their debts, a rival gambling house pays their debts and sets them free.
Zatoichi's Cane SwordZatoichi's Cane Sword · 1967
Zatoichi's Cane Sword
7.41967
MovieAdventureAction
Zatoichi comes upon the town of Tonda, overrun by gangsters. Using one of his favorite techniques, Zatoichi proceeds to win 8 ryo in a rigged gambling game. Of course, the local gangsters attempt to kill him, and the adventure begins. It turns out a blacksmith named Senzo examines Zatoichi's cane sword, and discovers it to be forged by his old mentor. Senzo discovers the sword is at the end of its usefulness and will break when it is used next.
Zatoichi and the FugitivesZatoichi and the Fugitives · 1968
Zatoichi and the Fugitives
7.01968
MovieAdventureAction
Zatoichi runs afoul of some evil fugitives, working for a corrupt law official.
Samaritan ZatoichiSamaritan Zatoichi · 1968
Samaritan Zatoichi
6.81968
MovieAdventureAction
Zatoichi is forced to kill a young man who owes a debt to a yakuza boss. Moments later, his sister Osode arrives with the money she earned (prostituting herself) to pay his debts. The bosses true motives are revealed and he attempts to steal Osode even though the debt is paid. Zatoichi realizes his grievous error and protects the girl from the gang. Osode and Zatoichi are caught in a dilemma as she must rely on her brother's killer for protection and Zatoichi wrestles with the injustice he has caused.
Zatoichi Meets YojimboZatoichi Meets Yojimbo · 1970
Zatoichi Meets Yojimbo
6.81970
MovieAdventureAction
Zatoichi treks to a village that has always been a favorite spot of his, only to discover that it’s become a living hell, plagued by feuding father and son yakuza as well as the younger crime boss’s bodyguard, scruffy, smart-mouthed, cash-hungry Yojimbo of legend.
Zatoichi Goes to the Fire FestivalZatoichi Goes to the Fire Festival · 1970
Zatoichi Goes to the Fire Festival
6.81970
MovieAdventureAction
The blind masseuse is targeted by the leader of a powerful yakuza group while also fending off a jealous husband bent on revenge. Zatoichi tours Edo's underground via a rousing onsen fight scene, gambling houses and the gender-bending character of Umeji, before a final, flame-filled conflagration.
Zatoichi Meets the One-Armed SwordsmanZatoichi Meets the One-Armed Swordsman · 1971
Zatoichi Meets the One-Armed Swordsman
6.81971
MovieAdventureAction
Zatoichi is a blind massage therapist and swordsman who finds out that something troubling is taking place on the outskirts of town. After discovering who the guilty parties are -- an accomplished Chinese martial artist named Wang Kang and his youthful attendant -- Zatoichi finds them and discovers that the pair's mixed up with a dangerous bunch of terrorist samurai who murdered the boy's parents. Now, Zatoichi must step in to save the day.
Zatoichi at LargeZatoichi at Large · 1972
Zatoichi at Large
6.71972
MovieAdventureAction
Blind masseur and master swordsman Zatoichi finds a robbed and fatally wounded pregnant woman, whose baby he delivers before she dies. He takes the baby in search of its father and finds the child's aunt, who is about to be forced into prostitution for want of a payment the dead mother was bringing. Zatoichi determines to save the woman from her cruel fate.
Zatoichi in DesperationZatoichi in Desperation · 1972
Zatoichi in Desperation
6.71972
MovieAdventureAction
After accidentally causing the death of an old lady, Zatoichi tries to do right by buying the lady’s daughter’s freedom from a brothel - but this causes more problems than solves them.
Zatoichi's ConspiracyZatoichi's Conspiracy · 1973
Zatoichi's Conspiracy
7.01973
MovieActionDrama
Zatoichi, the famed blind swordsman, returns to his home village for the first time in many years. He is befriended by Omiyo, who had the same wet-nurse as Zatoichi. He also encounters a boyhood friend, Shinbei, who is now wealthy and appears not to remember Zatoichi. Shinbei seems to be interested in repaying the villagers' debts, but is, in reality, manipulating the ownership of a now valuable rock quarry. Zatoichi learns of the subterfuge and confronts his old friend, who has a score of yakuza swordsmen backing his play.
Zatoichi: Darkness Is His AllyZatoichi: Darkness Is His Ally · 1989
Zatoichi: Darkness Is His Ally
6.51989
MovieActionDrama
Older, wiser but still a wandering loner, the blind, peace-loving masseur Ichi seeks a peaceful life in a rural village. When he's caught in the middle of a power struggle between two rival Yakuza clans, his reputation as a deadly defender of the innocent is put to the ultimate test in a series of sword-slashing showdowns.

More from Kazuo IkehiroSee all →

Make-UpMake-Up · 1984
Make-Up
10.01984
MovieDrama
Useless Creature: Fighting Man's LifeUseless Creature: Fighting Man's Life · 1970
Useless Creature: Fighting Man's Life
9.01970
MovieActionCrime
Soft-Boiled Goro is a 1970 film directed by Kazuo Ikehiro
MonkeyMonkey · 1978
Monkey
8.11978
SeriesAction & AdventureComedy
Buddhist priest Tripitaka and his three disciples Monkey, Pigsy, and Sandy, travel from China to India to fetch the Buddhist scriptures. They have been sent by Buddha, and getting these scriptures will bring peace to the people of the world.
Naked AmbitionNaked Ambition · 1970
Naked Ambition
8.01970
MovieDrama
Wicked woman Ogin is a concubine of a powerful feudal lord Tayu. At first Ogin gains power by poisoning lawful wife of Tayu. To gain more power Ogin let her lover Isogai Iori, kill whoever interrupts her. Film it is based on Jun'ichirō Tanizaki's novel "Kyofu Jidai".
Broken SwordsBroken Swords · 1969
Broken Swords
8.01969
MovieDramaAction
The tragic, yet exciting story of the friendship between Nakayama Yasubei, a member of the 47 Ronin, and Tange Tenzen, a relative by marriage of the vile Lord Kira.
Kogarashi MonjiroKogarashi Monjiro · 1972
Kogarashi Monjiro
8.01972
SeriesAction & AdventureDrama
Monjiro was born into a poor farm family in Mikazuki Village, Nitta County, Ueshu, and abandoned his hometown when he was 10 years old. He has been traveling aimlessly with a long toothpick in his mouth. Monjiro avoided getting involved in anything, but wherever he went, he ended up getting involved in incidents
Goro DogGoro Dog · 1980
Goro Dog
8.01980
SeriesFamilyDrama
A Japanese live-action adventure series about a loyal white dog named Goro and his young mistress Reiko, who search for each other across Japan despite all adversities, fatigue, and hunger.
BonchiBonchi · 1960
Bonchi
7.71960
MovieComedyDrama
Kikuji is the scion of an Osaka merchant family whose traditional power is matrilineal. Instructed by his overbearing mother and grandmother to give them an heiress for the family business, he stands by helplessly as his wife is thrown out of the house for producing a son. Driven to a life of dissipation - his mistresses also fail to produce daughters - in the end he is just too tired to care.
The Gambler's CodeThe Gambler's Code · 1961
The Gambler's Code
7.21961
MovieHistoryDrama
One of Japan's most popular stories is the tale of Kutsukake Tokijiro, a traveling gambler who finds that he must take care of the wife and child of a yakuza he had been forced by the code of the gamblers to fight man to man. In a brilliant performance from super-star Ichikawa Raizo, with strong support from two of the greats from Toho, Shimura Takashi (7 Samurai) and Aratama Michiyo (Sword of Doom) the heartfelt story reaches new heights. Tokijiro, having learned the true nature of the boss to whom he was obligated for having spent a night and eaten at the gang's headquarters takes up arms against them in a running battle fought across the back roads of the entire nation. Another powerful rendition of this superb story, it is not to be missed!
Zatoichi's PilgrimageZatoichi's Pilgrimage · 1966
Zatoichi's Pilgrimage
7.11966
MovieDramaAction
Zatoichi's trek through 88 temples to atone for his violent past is interrupted as he stumbles into a village terrorized by a violent yakuza boss.
Murder Credit - Final Destination SeriesMurder Credit - Final Destination Series · 2016
Murder Credit - Final Destination Series
7.02016
MovieMystery
Prison BreakPrison Break · 1969
Prison Break
7.01969
MovieActionCrime
Set up to be the patsy by a rival gang, Furuta Makoto attacks the yakuza boss he thinks is responsible for his father’s murder. He then learns it was all a plot to take over his father’s turf and he seeks vengeance against the puppet master behind the entire conspiracy. His quest for justice leads him to prison where he must fend off the attack of a master assassin before he can make his escape and go after the true killer!
Zatoichi and the Chest of GoldZatoichi and the Chest of Gold · 1964
Zatoichi and the Chest of Gold
6.91964
MovieActionDrama
Ichi travels to the village of Itakura to pay his respects at the grave of Kichizo, a man he killed two years ago. When some tax money is stolen while in transit to the governor he is accused and sets out to find the money and clear his name.
Lone Wolf IsazoLone Wolf Isazo · 1968
Lone Wolf Isazo
6.81968
MovieActionDrama
Isazo is a traveling gambler and living legend in the world of yakuza, known for his swordsmanship and bravery, his impeccable manners, and his brilliant talent in gambling. One late fall at an inn in Kiso Fukushima, Isazo befriends a young boy whose mother turns out to be his old love Yoshino, with whom he was not unable to consummate a marriage due to the class differences between them.
Slaughter in the SnowSlaughter in the Snow · 1973
Slaughter in the Snow
6.71973
MovieAction
In feudal Japan, women are vulnerable, in need of protection, and capable of deception. Jokichi of Mikogami, a drifter, has not yet fully revenged the death of his wife and son. He searches for Kunisada Chuji, who in turn has hired the knife-throwing Windmill Kobunji to kill him. Kobunji and Jokichi meet in the winter, near Sasago Pass, when both have rescued women: Jokichi has saved the lute-playing Oyae whose clan and whose lover want her dead; Kobunji has rescued Oharu, a well-born woman married to an innkeeper. Is this rescue a whim or something deeper? And why does Jokichi become the consumptive Kobunji's protector? What ultimately will Jokichi do about Oyae?
Shinobi No Mono 5: Return of Mist SaizoShinobi No Mono 5: Return of Mist Saizo · 1964
Shinobi No Mono 5: Return of Mist Saizo
6.51964
MovieActionAdventure
[Period covered: 1616] On May 8th, 1615 the summer campaign of Osaka has reached the climax. This film takes place immediately following 'Ninja 4: Mist Saizo, Last of The Ninja'. Staying one step ahead of the Shogun’s forces, “Mist” Saizo tries to save the Sanada Clan, and avenge the death of his lord by assassinating the first Tokugawa Shogun. Following the first four films in this remarkable series, more previously unknown Ninja skills are shown to the world for the first time. The action heats up as Saizo single-handedly attacks the Shogun’s Palace!

More Like This

The Bourne SupremacyThe Bourne Supremacy · 2004
The Bourne Supremacy
7.32004
MovieActionDrama
A CIA operation to purchase classified Russian documents is blown by a rival agent, who then shows up in the sleepy seaside village where Bourne and Marie have been living. The pair run for their lives and Bourne, who promised retaliation should anyone from his former life attempt contact, is forced to once again take up his life as a trained assassin to survive.
The Bourne UltimatumThe Bourne Ultimatum · 2007
The Bourne Ultimatum
7.42007
MovieActionDrama
Bourne is brought out of hiding once again by reporter Simon Ross who is trying to unveil Operation Blackbriar, an upgrade to Project Treadstone, in a series of newspaper columns. Information from the reporter stirs a new set of memories, and Bourne must finally uncover his dark past while dodging The Company's best efforts to eradicate him.
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince CaspianThe Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian · 2008
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
6.62008
MovieAdventureFamily
One year after their incredible adventures in the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Peter, Edmund, Lucy and Susan Pevensie return to Narnia to aid a young prince whose life has been threatened by the evil King Miraz. Now, with the help of a colorful cast of new characters, including Trufflehunter the badger and Nikabrik the dwarf, the Pevensie clan embarks on an incredible quest to ensure that Narnia is returned to its rightful heir.
RoboCop 2RoboCop 2 · 1990
RoboCop 2
6.01990
MovieActionScience Fiction
After a successful deployment of the RoboCop Law Enforcement unit, OCP sees its goal of urban pacification come closer and closer, but as this develops, a new narcotic known as "Nuke" invades the streets led by God-delirious leader Cane. As this menace grows, it may prove to be too much for Murphy to handle. OCP tries to replicate the success of the first unit, but ends up with failed prototypes with suicidal issues... until Dr. Faxx, a scientist straying away from OCP's path, uses Cane as the new subject for the RoboCop 2 project, a living God.
RoboCop 3RoboCop 3 · 1993
RoboCop 3
4.91993
MovieActionScience Fiction
The mega corporation Omni Consumer Products is still bent on creating their pet project, Delta City, to replace the rotting city of Detroit. Unfortunately, the inhabitants of the area have no intention of abandoning their homes simply for desires of the company. To this end, OCP have decided to force them to leave by employing a ruthless mercenary army to attack and harass them. An underground resistance begins and in this fight, RoboCop must decide where his loyalties lie.
VersusVersus · 2000
Versus
6.22000
MovieHorrorFantasy
A group of ruthless gangsters, an unknown woman and an escaped convict have met, in The Forest of Resurrection, the 444th portal to the other side. Their troubles start when those once killed and buried in the forest come back from the dead.
Queen & CountryQueen & Country · 2015
Queen & Country
6.12015
MovieDrama
In this sequel to Hope and Glory (1987), Bill Rohan has grown up and is drafted into the army, where he and his eccentric best mate, Percy, battle their snooty superiors on the base and look for love in town.
Shanghai KnightsShanghai Knights · 2003
Shanghai Knights
6.12003
MovieAdventureComedy
When a Chinese rebel murders Chon's estranged father and escapes to England, Chon and Roy make their way to London with revenge on their minds.
Turbo: A Power Rangers MovieTurbo: A Power Rangers Movie · 1997
Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie
5.81997
MovieActionAdventure
The legendary Power Rangers must stop the evil space pirate Divatox from releasing the powerful Maligore from his volcanic imprisonment on the island of Muranthias, where only the kindly wizard Lerigot has the key to release him. The hope of victory lies in the Ranger's incredible new Turbo powers and powerful Turbo Zords.
Weekend at Bernie's IIWeekend at Bernie's II · 1993
Weekend at Bernie's II
5.11993
MovieComedyCrime
Everybody's favorite stiff is back! Working fools Larry Wilson and Richard Parker have uncovered a dirty, little secret: Their former boss, Bernie Lomax, embezzled $2 million and placed it in a safe deposit box in the Caribbean. Now, the boys are ready to go after the loot, but they can't do it alone -- they need poor Bernie's help. Can the buddies give their ex-boss new life?
Superman IISuperman II · 1980
Superman II
6.81980
MovieScience FictionAction
Three Kryptonian criminals led by General Zod team up with Lex Luthor to conquer Earth, forcing a depowered Superman to regain his strength and stop them.
Ice Age: Dawn of the DinosaursIce Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs · 2009
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs
6.82009
MovieAnimationComedy
Times are changing for Manny the moody mammoth, Sid the motor mouthed sloth and Diego the crafty saber-toothed tiger. Life heats up for our heroes when they meet some new and none-too-friendly neighbors – the mighty dinosaurs.
The Skulls IIThe Skulls II · 2002
The Skulls II
4.72002
MovieActionThriller
After joining the Skulls, Ryan Sommers (Robin Dunne) is warned not to betray any secrets about the organization or its high-powered members. However, when Ryan witnesses a murder within the Skulls' private chambers, he finds that the closer he gets to revealing the truth - the more dangerous life becomes.
Atlantis: Milo's ReturnAtlantis: Milo's Return · 2003
Atlantis: Milo's Return
6.32003
MovieFantasyAnimation
Milo and Kida reunite with their friends to investigate strange occurances around the world that seem to have links to the secrets of Atlantis.
The Karate Kid Part IIThe Karate Kid Part II · 1986
The Karate Kid Part II
6.41986
MovieAdventureDrama
Summoned by his dying father, Miyagi returns to his homeland of Okinawa, with Daniel, after a 40-year exile. There he must confront Yukie, the love of his youth, and Sato, his former best friend turned vengeful rival. Sato is bent on a fight to the death, even if it means the destruction of their village. Daniel finds his own love in Yukia's niece, Kumiko, and his own enemy in Sato's nephew, the vicious Chozen. Now, far away from the tournaments, cheering crowds and safety of home, Daniel will face his greatest challenge ever when the cost of honor is life itself.
Bad Boys IIBad Boys II · 2003
Bad Boys II
6.72003
MovieActionCrime
Detectives Marcus Burnett and Mike Lowrey of the Miami Narcotics Task Force are tasked with stopping the flow of the drug Ecstasy into Miami. They track the drugs to the whacked-out Cuban drug lord Johnny Tapia, who is also involved in a bloody war with Russian and Haitian mobsters. If that isn't bad enough, there's tension between the two detectives when Marcus discovers that playboy Mike is secretly romancing Marcus’ sister, Syd.
Mad Max 2Mad Max 2 · 1981
Mad Max 2
7.41981
MovieActionThriller
Max Rockatansky returns as the heroic loner who drives the dusty roads of a postapocalyptic Australian Outback in an unending search for gasoline. Arrayed against him and the other scraggly defendants of a fuel-depot encampment are the bizarre warriors commanded by the charismatic Lord Humungus, a violent leader whose scruples are as barren as the surrounding landscape.
Transformers: Revenge of the FallenTransformers: Revenge of the Fallen · 2009
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
6.22009
MovieScience FictionAction
Sam Witwicky leaves the Autobots behind for a normal life. But when his mind is filled with cryptic symbols, the Decepticons target him and he is dragged back into the Transformers' war.

Rate this film

Your ratings make Midnight smarter